Former Pheu Thai minister Chadchart Sittipunt's withdrawal from a national strategy drafting committee is regrettable and no new appointments are expected this week, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.
Mr Chadchart declined the position shortly after the Prime Minister's Office made the announcement. He was named a member of a panel on competitiveness building.
The six drafting panels involve: national security; fostering competitiveness; development of human resources; creating opportunities for greater social equality; an environmentally friendly quality of life; balanced state sector management.
Mr Wissanu said the ex-transport minister was recommended by Krai Tangsanga of the Council of Engineers and was appointed due to his vision and knowledge of public infrastructure rather than his political ties, as some critics suggested.
He said Mr Chadchart's replacement will be appointed based on the same criteria.
The panel chiefs will meet with the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) soon to discuss work preparations, he added.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may meet them after his return from the United States, where he is due to hold talks with President Donald Trump at the White House today.
The panels will map out national strategy through a series of hearings. They are required to complete their plans within 120 days so they can be forwarded to the cabinet and the National Legislative Assembly for approval.
On Sunday, Mr Chadchart said he was informed by Mr Wissanu's team about the job on Sept 27. He said he requested time to consider the offer but the appointment was made before he could reply.
"That may have confused Mr Wissanu's team and led them to understand I had accepted it," he said.
"I have apologised for the mistake and I want to thank [Mr Wissanu] for the offer."
When he declined the post earlier he said the strategy was unclear to him.
